Ashura day fasting: Why Muslims Fast on the 10th of Muharram

As Muslims, our daily lives are centered around worship that helps us stay close to Allah and follow His teachings. One of the most meaningful acts of worship that happens every year is fasting on Ashura Day. This special fast is observed on the 10th day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar. But why ashura day fasting is so important, and what makes it different from other optional fasts in Islam? In this article, we will look into the reasons behind this fast, the stories connected to it, the great rewards it brings, and some helpful advice on how to prepare for this special day.

Ashura day fasting and Its Origin in Prophetic Tradition

The tradition of ashura day fasting is rooted deeply in the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

In Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) found that the Quraysh were fasting on Ashura, perhaps following a practice that remained from the religion of Abraham. So the Prophet himself would also fast on this day and encouraged the Muslims to do so, since this fasting did not contradict the teachings of the Shari’ah in any way.

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رضي الله عنها ، قَالَتْ كَانَ عَاشُورَاءُ يَوْمًا تَصُومُهُ قُرَيْشٌ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ وَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَصُومُهُ فَلَمَّا قَدِمَ الْمَدِينَةَ صَامَهُ وَأَمَرَ النَّاسَ بِصِيَامِهِ فَلَمَّا افْتُرِضَ رَمَضَانُ كَانَ رَمَضَانُ هُوَ الْفَرِيضَةَ وَتَرَكَ عَاشُورَاءَ فَمَنْ شَاءَ صَامَهُ وَمَنْ شَاءَ تَرَكَهُ ‏.‏

Aishah narrated: “Ashura was a day that the Quraish used to fast during Jahiliyyah, and the Messenger of Allah used to fast it. But when (the fast of) Ramadan became obligatory, the Ramadan was the required and Ashura was left. So whoever wanted to, he fasted it, and whoever wanted to, he left it.”

When the Prophet migrated to Madinah, he found that the Jews there were fasting on the 10th of Muharram. Upon asking them why, they told him it was the day Allah saved Musa ( Moses) (peace be upon him) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded by saying:

“We are closer to Moses than they are,” and he himself fasted on that day and encouraged his companions to do the same.

This is how ashura day fasting became a distinct Sunnah in Islam, linking us with a legacy of gratitude to Allah for His great deliverance.

From then on, ashura day fasting was observed enthusiastically by the Muslims, as an act of love for the Prophets who came before and a means to draw nearer to Allah.

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The Story of Moses and Pharaoh on the Day of Ashura

Ashura Day fasting holds special meaning because of the powerful and amazing story of Prophet Moses and Pharaoh. On this day, Allah helped Moses and the Children of Israel escape from Pharaoh’s army  by splitting the sea for them and causing Pharaoh’s army to drown. 

This event from history is not just an old story. For Muslims, it’s a meaningful lesson about (tawakku) trusting in Allah, being patient, and knowing that Allah will always grant victory to the oppressed. By observing ashura day fasting, we remember this great victory from Allah and thank Him for all the blessings He has given us in our lives.

Fasting Ashura: Alone or with Tasu’a?

There is often a question among Muslims about whether ashura day fasting should be done alone or also fast on the 9th, which is called Tasu’a. The Prophet (peace be upon him) once said:

 “If I live until next year, I will definitely fast on the 9th as well,”

which shows he wanted to fast an extra day to make Muslim practices different from those of the Jews. So, the best way to observe Ashura fasting is to fast on both the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.  

وَرُوِيَ عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّهُ قَالَ صُومُوا التَّاسِعَ وَالْعَاشِرَ وَخَالِفُوا الْيَهُودَ ‏.‏ 

It was narrated from Ibn Abbas that he said: “Fast on the ninth and the tenth and differ from the Jews.” 

So, in  ashura day fasting, If someone is unable to fast on the 9th, then fasting only on the 10th is still a good and valuable act. Some scholars also say it’s okay to fast on the 11th to show the same difference.

The Rewards and Virtues of Fasting on Ashura

The benefits of ashura day fasting are very great. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

 “I hope that fasting on the day of Ashura will remove the sins of the past year. ” (Muslim) 

Imagine! — just by fasting on Ashura, Allah may forgive all the small sins you did last year. This shows how kind and forgiving Allah is, and how He gives us many chances to become better people. As Muslims, we should take these opportunities to clean our actions and get closer to God. 

Fasting also teaches us patience and helps us distance ourselves from worldly desires. It reminds us of Allah’s blessings, especially the variety of food and drink He has provided for us.

How Different Schools of Thought View This Fast

Ashura Day fasting is commonly practiced by Muslims around the world, though there are small differences in how various groups choose to observe it. The four main Sunni schools of thought—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—encourage fasting on Ashura, with a preference for adding Tasu’a to it.

On the other hand, for the Shi’a community, Ashura is a time of deep sorrow and remembering the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him). While many Shi’a Muslims do not fast on this day as a celebration, they often take time for serious reflection and mourning. 

Regardless of these differences, ashura day fasting remains a profound act of worship among Muslims, united by the shared spirit of devotion and remembrance of Allah’s power and justice.

Tips for Preparing for Ashura Fasting Spiritually and Physically

To make the most of ashura day fasting, it helps to prepare both spiritually and physically:

• Renew your intention (niyyah) sincerely for Allah’s sake. Remind yourself you are fasting out of love and gratitude.
• Recite and reflect on the stories of Moses and Ashura, so your heart connects more deeply with this history.
• Plan your suhoor (pre-dawn meal) wisely to include slow-digesting foods that keep you energized.
• Increase your dua, asking Allah to accept your fast, forgive your sins, and keep you steadfast.
• Encourage your family to fast with you, especially your children, so they grow up loving this Sunnah.

This preparation makes ashura day fasting not just a ritual, but a meaningful experience that rejuvenates your iman (faith).

You can find a wide variety of courses that will help you practice these acts of worship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ashura day fasting is a beautiful Sunnah that reminds us of Allah’s immense mercy and the historical triumphs of His prophets. By observing this fast, we step into a legacy that spans from Prophet Moses to our own beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them). It is an opportunity for our past sins to be wiped clean and our hearts to be filled with gratitude.

As Muslims, let us not miss this powerful chance to worship Allah, remember His favors, and strengthen our bond with Him. ashura day fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink — it is an act of love, remembrance, and spiritual renewal.

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FAQs

Is ashura day fasting obligatory?
No, ashura day fasting is a strongly recommended Sunnah, not an obligation. However, its rewards are so great that every Muslim should strive to observe it.

What if I can’t fast on the 9th with Ashura?
Fasting only on the 10th is still valid and highly rewarding. If possible, try to fast either the 9th or the 11th along with it.

What are other acts recommended on Ashura?

Only fasting was specifically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) for this day. Still, we may give charity, do extra dhikr, and read the Qur’an — without inventing special rituals, to avoid bid‘ah.